1. Visit times are posted in the lobby of each facility and on the BCSO website. Visits may be cancelled or adjusted at any time. Visitors should contact the Sheriff’s Office switchboard during inclement weather regarding cancellation of visits.
2. Inmates shall have the opportunity for two (2) 60-minute social visits per week, but are not allowed to have 2 visits on the same day.
3. Adult visitors must complete an Application to Visit an Inmate prior to visiting for the first time. Forms can be downloaded from the BCSO website or can be mailed to a visitor by an inmate. Completed forms must be notarized and returned to the Superintendent for approval. Visitors who fail to accurately state information on the form may have their visiting privileges revoked.
4. One or two minors (age 17 or younger) may be allowed to visit with one inmate when accompanied by a previously approved adult visitor. To facilitate the visit, a Minor Request to Visit form must be completed for each minor. Forms are available on the BCSO website or can be mailed to a visitor by an inmate. Completed forms must be notarized and returned to the Superintendent for approval. Visitors with infants may bring a lightweight receiving blanket, pacifier and plastic feeding bottle to the visit, but not a diaper bag. Minor visitors are subject to search. Adults are responsible for the behavior of their accompanying minors.
5. Adults will complete a yellow Application to Visit an Inmate Form in-house prior to each visit. Visitors who fail to accurately state information on the form may have their visiting privileges revoked.
6. Visitor passes will be issued to approved visitors.
7. Visitors must present a current/valid government issued ID (birth certificate for minors) before each visit. Attorneys and legal representatives must present valid bar cards. Religious leaders must present a valid photo ID and verifying credentials.
8. At Dartmouth facilities, visitor parking is limited to the Visitor lot to the right of the security booth when entering the property. Visitors to the Ash Street facility are limited to on-street parking. Violators will be towed. All vehicles are subject to search.
9. Visitors are permitted to wait up to 30 minutes inside their vehicle or the Security Reception Area, and must abide by facility rules and staff direction at all times. Loitering before or after a visit is prohibited. Exceptions can be made for the disabled and elderly.
10. Pets are not allowed on BCSO property (service animals are permitted). Anyone securing a pet in their vehicle will be asked to vacate the premises.
11. Lockers are available for the storage of personal items for a small fee which will be reimbursed when the locker key is returned.
12. Neither weapons nor ammunition are permitted on Sheriff’s Office Property, unless approved. Weapon lockers and clearing stations are available for approved persons. Neither weapons nor ammunition are allowed in an inmate visiting room.
13. Visitors and their property are subject to search. Visitors who refuse or fail a search may have their visiting privileges revoked. Visitors must disclose any item, besides clothing, prior to search.
14. Visitors may use the lobby kiosk at the Dartmouth House of Correction from 8AM-4PM to deposit money in an inmate’s IMA. Visitors may not drop off mail or parcels for inmates.
15. Visitors shall only communicate with the inmate approved for their visit. Inappropriate language is not allowed.
16. Former inmates must wait six (6) months after release or six (6) months cleared of parole/probation before they may be approved for inmate visits.
17. Visitors shall not speak on a cellular telephone while waiting in the Security Reception Area.
18. Inmate visits will be non-contact. Unauthorized inmate contact is prohibited.
Contraband Items
Visitors shall not bring contraband into an inmate visiting room. Final determination of contraband shall be made by the Security Reception Officer. Persons in violation of this rule are subject to arrest and criminal prosecution (M.G.L. c 268, § 31). This list is subject to change at any time.
1. Handcuffs, restraints, cuff keys (unless authorized by the Sheriff’s Office).
2. Scissors, nail clippers or any other sharp object.
3. Pens or pencils (except for attorneys, legal representatives, government officials, private investigators and media).
4. Medication (except when approved with valid medical note.), drug paraphernalia, alcohol.
5. Food and beverages in any type of container, chewing gum, utensils.
6. Rings (except for wedding rings and rings that cannot be removed).
7. Jewelry (earrings, toe rings, body piercings, etc.) except for medical alert bracelets/pendants.
8. Watches (except for attorneys, legal representatives, government officials, media).
9. Money of any denomination, including pocket change.
10. Tobacco products of any kind, lighters, matches and smokeless tobacco products.
11. Nail polish, perfume, polish remover.
12. Letters or other mail, notes, photos, other documents (except for attorneys, legal representatives/investigators, government officials and the media).
13. Newspapers, magazines or clippings from newspapers, internet or magazines, drawings (unless so authorized by the Security Control Officer).
14. Packages or gifts of any kind.
15. Umbrellas.
16. Spare diapers, diaper bags, non-plastic baby bottles.
17. Electronic equipment, except when approved in writing by the Superintendent or designee.
18. Purses, knapsacks, books bags, gym bags, paper/plastic bags, etc. (Briefcases, carry bags and computer bags are permitted for attorneys, legal representatives, government officials and the media-but subject to search)
19. Metal clips, “alligator” clips and clip binders (except when so authorized).
20. Books (except for approved religious, legal or special visits).
21. Pets or animals (except service dogs, security related canines).
22. Tools and keys of any type (except when so authorized).
Provisions for Special Visits
A written request for a special inmate visit must be sent to the Superintendent or designee within 24 hours of the visit. A verbal or telephone request may be accepted in some circumstances, including but not limited to:
1. A person has a legitimate emergency which has prevented them from arriving at the facility during regularly-scheduled visiting hours (e.g. travelled a long distance, inclement weather, family emergency, and or other unusual circumstance);
2. An attorney or legal representative has requested a legal visit outside regularly-scheduled visiting hours;
3. A law enforcement officer or private investigator wishes to meet with an inmate outside regularly-scheduled visiting hours;
4. A person is seeking to visit with two or more inmates at one time;
5. A religious visit has been requested outside regularly-scheduled visiting hours; or
6. When an inmate is ill or hospitalized and special arrangements to meet with the inmate are required.
A visitor participating in a special inmate visit shall undergo the same application, search and screening procedures as regular visitors, unless so waived in writing by the Sheriff or Superintendent.
Accessibility: Persons who need auxiliary aides for communication or visit accommodations should contact the Superintendent’s Office at 508-995-6400 during regular work hours. If necessary, accommodations will be made at the Dartmouth HOC for Ash St. inmate visits. Standard visiting screening and approval protocols shall still apply
Inmate Clothing Exchanges: One-for –one clothing exchanges shall be conducted according to facility schedules. Exchanges for inmate jackets, pants, shirts and shoes only permitted for court or release. An inmate may initiate a clothing exchange by submitting a Property Release Form to the Property Room according to facility schedules. Visitors may call the Property Room at 509.995.6400 (x 2317) if there are questions about this process.
Smuggling Prohibited: Massachusetts Law (M.G.L. c. 268 §28) prohibits any person from delivering any article whatsoever to an inmate without the permission of the Sheriff or the Superintendent, or to procure an article to be delivered, to possess it with intent to deliver it, or to deposit or conceal it with intent that an inmate shall obtain it. Any allegations of such actions will be investigated thoroughly and may lead to criminal prosecution.
Dress Code
The Security Reception Officer will make a determination about the appropriateness of a visitor’s attire based on the following:
1. Outerwear (jackets, coats, raincoats, umbrellas, vests, etc.) are not permitted and should be stored in a locker.
2. Exercise, gym or dance clothing (tops or bottoms) or clothes made from the same material, running shorts, leotards, yoga pants, sweat shirts, sweat pants, hooded sweat shirts (hoodies) or other hooded tops, bathing suits/swim wear (tops or bottoms), muscle shirts, and Spandex tops are not permitted. Spandex leggings are permitted, but only when covered with an approved shirt that is no shorter than three inches (3”) above the knee. Dress shorts are permitted, but no shorter than three inches (3”) above the knee.
3. Fatigues/camouflage and law enforcement style clothing of any kind are not permitted except when worn for an official capacity.
4. Low cut, visibly sheer, or revealing clothing (bare midriff, tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, tops that expose the back, lower than the upper shoulders, spaghetti straps or revealing shirts), skirts more than three inches above the knee, sundresses, wrap around tops, halter tops, fish net stockings, fishnet leggings or any other inappropriate clothing that exposes an excessive amount of skin are not permitted. Sleeveless tops are permitted, if appropriate for a correctional setting.
5. Any clothing similar to inmate uniforms, uniformed staff or hospital scrubs is not permitted (excluding white T shirts).
6. Hats, baseball caps, hair wraps, hair coverings and durags are not permitted. Religious head coverings, wigs, and toupees are permitted but will be subject to a search before entering.
7. Clothing with patches, rips, torn clothing or torn linings is not permitted.
8. Double layer clothing is not permitted.
9. Pajamas and pajama style clothing are not permitted, except for infants.
10. Excessively tight or baggy pants, skirts, shirts or shorts of any style or fabric are not permitted.
11. Undergarments must be worn.
12 Regularly laced shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals and open-toed shoes (except flip flops) are permitted. Shoes with heels must be no higher than three inches (3”).
13. Visible body ornamentation (piercings, jewelry, etc.) and brands are not permitted. Wedding bands and traditional engagement rings are permitted.
14. Bobby pins, barrettes, ribbons, or any other hair accessories not easily removed will not be allowed. Elastic bands and “scrunchies” are allowed.
15. Visible clothing or tattoos that depict, describe, or otherwise refer to intolerance of, or discrimination against any race, religion, gender, sexual preference or national origin; visible clothing or tattoos that depict, describe, or otherwise refer to sexual conduct, acts, organs or preferences; visible clothing or tattoos commonly associated with groups that advocate intolerance, discrimination, gang affiliation or violence; visible clothing or tattoos with logos or characterizations that reference alcohol or illegal substances are not permitted.
16. Legal visitors, media representatives, and private investigators should wear business or business casual attire when meeting with inmates. At a minimum, they should conform to the standard Visitor's Dress Code, established herein, unless so approved by the Superintendent or designee.
17. Any other clothing that poses a security hazard or is deemed inappropriate by the Sheriff’s Office shall not be permitted.
Refusal to Leave:
Visitors shall vacate the premises when ordered to do so. Those who refuse to leave when so ordered will be considered trespassers. Trespassing is a felony and trespassers may be criminally prosecuted pursuant to M.G.L.127, §36.
Additional information regarding inmate visits, including current visiting schedules, can be found in the lobby of each facility, on the Sheriff’s Office website, which is located at bcso-ma.us or by contacting the BCSO at (508)-995-6400. |
